Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, joints and muscles, and burdens the lives of so many people.

Musculoskeletal conditions are now the UK’s the biggest cause of pain and disability, accounting for an astounding one-in-five of all visits to the GP. Furthermore, trends indicate that more people than ever will be affected by MSK disorders in the coming years, which is why preventing them has never been more important. For this reason, the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), an alliance of prominent health charities, professional and research bodies, has produced a Policy Position Paper on Prevention of Musculoskeletal conditions.

The position paper highlights that a transformation is needed so that the care and public health systems go beyond merely tackling musculoskeletal conditions when they arise, to promoting good, lifelong musculoskeletal health. At every age people should be supported to maintain and improve the health of their joints, bones and muscles.

For more information about preventing musculoskeletal conditions, and to get involved in ARMA’s work, please get in touch via www.arma.uk.net and Twitter @WeAreARMA.